Bladder Cancer is a type of cancer that is generally treatable if it can be spotted and diagnosed early. However, if left untreated, it can cause a lot of complications, and the treatment of which may possibly lead to the loss of the ability to have an erection or an orgasm. It’s better to be informed than to be sorry later on.
Cancer and the Bladder
Cancer is essentially a disease of the cells. Cells are generally pre programmed to naturally and normally repair and reproduce itself in an orderly fashion. If the processes go haywire in certain conditions or in some form, then a malignant growth or a tumor may form. These tumors may spread to infect and/or destroy surrounding tissues and/or cells, and will cause a lot of unwanted and often painful effects. Bladder Cancer happens when the bladder, for any reason, develops a tumor.
Possible Causes
The causes of bladder cancer are not really understood at this time. However, it is associated with smoking, occupational exposure to certain chemicals such as aniline-based dyes, as well as petrol. Also, bladder cancer may also be caused by a genetic predisposition of the disease.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. This may appear for no apparent reason, and will generally come without any pain. The urine may be tinted from a rusty brown to a darkened red, and may be observed in some days and may be absent in the next. Also, blood clots may form in your urethra, clogging the passage of urine and urinating may be painful.
However, it must be noted that blood in the urine does not necessarily mean that you have bladder cancer, because this may be caused by a handful of other diseases as well, such as a bladder infection or kidney stones. It is important to note that once you see that your urine contains blood, it is necessary to seek medical attention to clarify the problem.
Types of Bladder Cancer
There are two types of bladder cancer: superficial and invasive. Superficial bladder cancer is merely the growth of tumors on the inner surface of the bladder. They generally look like small warts in the bladder. If the growth of the tumor extends deeper into the bladder wall and extends into the muscle layers, then it is described as invasive bladder cancer.
Treatment
Superficial tumors can be removed completely by cutting off the tumors with a probe. These tumors are then kept for examination. Unfortunately, the bladder may develop more tumors over time, and a regular appointment with the doctor may be necessary to make sure that the bladder remains healthy. To reduce the risk of developing more tumors, your doctor may advise you to have intravesical chemotherapy, which involves washing your bladder with special drugs on a weekly basis for 6-8 weeks.
Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be required to treat invasive bladder cancer. Since this varies with each case, your doctor may be able to provide more specific information regarding your own case.
How to Protect Yourself
The most important way to stop superficial tumors from developing into invasive tumors is to seek medical attention if there is blood in your urine. If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, follow your doctor’s advices religiously.
